Container packer system and method

ABSTRACT

A container packer system includes a transfer base, which receives a container packer adapted for movement longitudinally between retracted and extended positions with respect to the transfer base. The transfer base includes a power subsystem with a motor or engine driving a hydraulic pump for powering hydraulic piston-and-cylinder units of the system, including a container packer piston-and-cylinder unit for hydraulically extending and retracting the container packer. The container packer generally encloses an interior adapted for receiving bulk material for transfer to a transport container, which can comprise a standard shipping container, a trailer or some other bulk material receptacle. The container packer includes a push blade assembly longitudinally movably mounted in its interior and actuated by a push blade piston-and-cylinder unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/726,098 filed May 29, 2015, which is acontinuation of and claims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/373,635, filed Nov. 22, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,056, issued Jun.16, 2015 which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/825,435, filed Jun. 29, 2010, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,061,950, issued Nov. 22, 2011, which is a continuation of andclaims priority in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/138,973, filedJun. 13, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,330, issued Jun. 29, 2010, all ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to handling waste and other bulkmaterials, and in particular to a system and method for packing acontainer with bulk material for transport.

2. Description of the Related Art

Bulk materials of various types require transportation, e.g. from theirsources to destinations for disposal or processing. Waste handling andother bulk material operations use a variety of transportation modes,including over-the-road trucks and marine vessels. Presently a largepercentage of cargo is transported in standardized shipping containers,which are generally approximately 8′×8′×20′ or 8′×8′×40′(width×height×length). Facilities are available for handling suchcontainers, including loading and unloading to and from trailers,railcars and marine vessels. A bulk material operation would preferablyutilize such standard containers and load or pack them as efficiently aspossible in order to minimize the costs associated with procuring andtransporting the containers and conveyance vehicles. Certain materials,such as scrap and refuse, are susceptible to compression packing inorder to minimize space requirements and thereby increase efficiency.

The field of waste handling is a significant commercial activity,encompassing scrap disposal refuse hauling, materials recycling anddemolition debris removal. Hazardous waste handling involves extraprecautions and regulations. Improving bulk material handling andtransporting equipment and procedures can significantly improve theefficiency, safety and effectiveness of waste handling operations. Forexample, common prior art waste handling methods involved loading largetrash containers, bins and other receptacles using loaders, cranes andsimilar equipment.

Heretofore there has not been available a bulk material handling systemor method with the advantages and features of the present invention,including a container packer for receiving the material and transferringit to a container or other vessel for transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the practice of an aspect of the present invention, a containerpacker system is provided with a transfer base, which receives acontainer packer adapted for movement longitudinally between retractedand extended positions with respect to the transfer base. The transferbase includes a power subsystem with a motor or engine driving ahydraulic pump for powering hydraulic piston-and-cylinder units of thesystem, including a container packer piston-and-cylinder unit forhydraulically extending and retracting the container packer. Thecontainer packer generally encloses an interior adapted for receivingbulk material for transfer to a transport container, which can comprisea standard shipping container, a trailer or some other bulk materialreceptacle. The container packer includes a push blade assemblylongitudinally movably mounted in its interior and actuated by a pushblade piston-and-cylinder unit. In the practice of another aspect of thepresent invention, a container packer method includes the steps ofloading the interior of the container packer with bulk material in itsretracted position on the transfer base, locating a transport containerin alignment and behind the transfer base, hydraulically inserting partof the container packer into the transport container, hydraulicallyemptying the container packer of bulk material into the transportcontainer with the push blade assembly, retracting the push bladeassembly within the container packer and extracting the container packeronto the transfer base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments and aspects of the present invention andillustrate various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a container packer system embodyingan aspect of the present invention, shown with a container packer in aretracted position on a transfer base aligned with a transportcontainer.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof, shown with the containerpacker extended partly into the transport container.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevational view of thecontainer packer.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the container packer.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, upper, front perspective view of the containerpacker, with a blade assembly thereof in a retracted position.

FIG. 6 a fragmentary, upper, front perspective view of the containerpacker, with the blade assembly thereof in an extended position.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, lower, back perspective view of the containerpacker.

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the container packer takengenerally along line 8-8 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a container packer comprising analternative aspect of the present invention, shown with a moving floor.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, upper perspective view of a container packersystem comprising an aspect of the present invention, shown with thecontainer packer extending partly into a trailer.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, upper, front perspective view of the transferbase with an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic pump, and hydrauliccontrol valves.

FIG. 12 is a back elevational view of the transfer base and thecontainer packer, with a blade assembly thereof in an extended position.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged back elevational view of the push blade assemblytrack.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, upper, front perspective view of the transferbase with the container packer and push blade assembly extended into atransport container and the container packer operating in float mode.

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of push blade assemblypiston-and-cylinder and container packer piston-and-cylinder when thecontainer packer is operating in float mode.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the control panel.

FIG. 15 is a top elevational view of the remote control box.

FIG. 16 is an upper, back perspective of the hydraulic hose reels.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary, upper, back perspective of the overhead door.

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, upper, front perspective of the scales mountedon jack beams.

FIG. 19 is a hydraulic piping diagram for the container packer system.

FIG. 20 is a lower, front perspective of the transportation latch handleused to engage the transportation latch for the container packer.

FIG. 21 is an upper, front perspective of the transportation latch forthe container packer.

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the binder used to connect thecontainer packer to the transfer base during transportation.

FIG. 23 is an upper, front perspective of the binder used to connect thetransfer base to the transport container.

FIG. 24 is an upper, front perspective of the third stage carrier on thecontainer packer piston-and-cylinder.

FIG. 25 is an upper front perspective of the third stage carrier on thepush blade assembly piston-and-cylinder.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the container packer extending intothe transport container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction andEnvironment

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description forconvenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up,base, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as oriented inthe view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” referto directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric centerof the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof.Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction oftravel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the wordsspecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similarmeaning.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral 2generally designates a container packer system embodying an aspect ofthe present invention. The system 2 generally comprises a transfer base4 reciprocally and slidably mounting a container packer 6. A transportcontainer 8 receives bulk material 10 from the container packer 6.

II. Transfer Base 4

The transfer base 4 can comprise a vehicle, such as a trailer, as shownin FIG. 1. Alternatively, the transfer base 4 can be another type ofvehicle or a permanent structure. The transfer base 4 can be generallyconstructed as a flatbed trailer with a bed 12 mounting a wheel truck14, a pair of adjustable-height main jacks 16 and a king pin hitch 17for connection to a tractor unit (not shown). A pair of sidewalls 18 ismounted on either side of the bed 12, shown more clearly in FIG. 10.

The transfer base 4 includes a power subsystem 20, which can include aninternal combustion engine, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic reservoir, ahydraulic control valve and other hydraulic components, equipment, linesand fittings as needed. Alternatively, other power sources can beutilized, such as pneumatic, electric, combinationhydraulic-pneumatic-electric, etc. External power sources, e.g.,electrical service, can be connected to the transfer base 4 for poweringits operations. FIG. 1 demonstrates the front end 23 and back end 24 ofthe transfer base. When being transported, the king pin hitch 17 locatednear the front end 23 is connected to a standard transport tractortruck. When loading, the back end 24 is placed adjacent to a transportcontainer 8.

A container packer drive including a front cylinder mount 26 is locatedin proximity to the power subsystem 20, i.e. backward on the transferbase 4, and mounts a proximate end 28 of a multi-stageinsertion/extraction piston-and-cylinder unit 30, which also includes adistal end 32 connected to the container packer 6.

III. Container Packer 6

The container packer 6 includes: front and back ends 34, 36; oppositesidewalls 38, 40 mounting rollers 41 for engaging the transfer basesidewalls 18 and the transport container 8: and a floor 42 mountingrollers 43 on which the container packer 6 rolls fore-and-aft. Arolling, overhead door 44 is mounted generally in and selectively closesa back opening 35, which is formed in the back end 36 for selectivelyenclosing a container packer interior 46, which receives the bulkmaterial 10. The door 44 is operated by a door piston-and-cylinder unit48, and is mounted on rails 45 externally mounted on the back end 36 ofthe container packer. Externally mounting the door prevents scrap metalor other bulk material from becoming jammed against the door rail,preventing the blade 10 from progressing. Alternatively, various othertypes of doors and operating mechanisms can be utilized.

The container packer 6 includes a material transfer assembly 47, anembodiment of which includes a push blade assembly 50, which includes astructural framework 52 mounting a push blade 54, which fits relativelyclosely within the container packer interior 46 and extends transverselyfor movement fore-and-aft guided by tracks 49 formed in the containerpacker sidewalls 38, 40 whereby substantially all of the contents of thecontainer packer 6 can be discharged through the back door opening 35.The push blade assembly 50 includes a framework 52 mounting a push blade54 generally configured as a panel with width and height dimensionsgenerally corresponding to a cross-section of the container packerinterior 46. A push blade piston-and-cylinder 56 extends through theframework 52 and the blade 54, to which the piston-and-cylinder 56 isattached in a trunion-type mounting 57. The piston-and-cylinder unit 56includes an extension 60, which extends distally of the blade 54 withthe piston-and-cylinder 56 in a retracted position (FIG. 4). With thisconfiguration a relatively long effective stroke of thepiston-and-cylinder 56 is available for pushing the push blade assembly50 through a substantial portion of the container packer 6. An anchorstructure 62 is mounted on the container packer floor 42 adjacent to thecontainer packer back end 36 and is connected to the piston-and-cylinderproximate end 58.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment wherein a moving floor 70 is usedto eject material from the container packer in place of the push bladeassembly 50. The moving floor is essentially a series of moving, poweredslats that operate to move material out of a contained space. This maybe a preferable method of unloading the container packer when compactionof the material to be unloaded is not desirable.

IV. Operation

In the practice of an aspect of the method of the present invention, theoperation of the system 2 is sequenced to transfer bulk material 10 fromthe container packer 6 to the transport container 8. The container 8 ispositioned in alignment with the transfer base 4. For example, thecontainer 8 may be placed on a trailer or truck bed for transport. Thehydraulic leveling jacks 22 are adapted for independent adjustment toalign the transfer base 4 with the container 8. An automated positioningsystem can be utilized to automatically adjust the transfer base 4 foroptimal alignment.

With the transfer base 4 and the container properly aligned, thecontainer packer 6 starts from a retracted position (FIG. 1) and ispushed rearwardly by the container packer piston-and-cylinder unit 30 toan extended position (FIG. 2). The container packer door 44 is raisedhydraulically via the piston-and-cylinder units 48, thus opening theback opening 35 for discharge of the bulk material 10. Applyinghydraulic power to the piston-and-cylinder unit 56 extends it and pushesthe push blade assembly 50 rearwardly through the container packerinterior 48. The blade 54 pushes the bulk material 10 through the backopening 35 and out of the container packer 6 and into the transportcontainer 8. Depending upon the nature of the bulk material 10, it maybe compacted by the push blade assembly 50 in the transport container 8.Simultaneously with discharging the contents 10 of the container packer6, the hydraulic system can open the hydraulic lines to the containerpacker piston-and-cylinder unit 30, allowing it to retract as thecontents are pushed out of the container packer interior 46. Thecontainer packer piston-and-cylinder unit 30 can also be powered tohydraulically extract the container packer 6 by collapsing to itsretracted position (FIG. 1). Upon full extraction of the containerpacker 6, the transport container 8 can be closed and removed fortransport.

It will be appreciated that various steps of the procedure describedabove, and additional steps, can be automated with a programmablemicroprocessor. For example, leveling the transfer base 4, inserting thecontainer packer 6 and operating the push blade assembly 50 can all beautomated. Moreover, hydraulic controls utilizing a multi-positionvalve(s) can be provided for an operator to control the functions of thesystem 2. Such a valve(s) can also be automated.

V. Alternative Embodiment or Aspect Container Packer System 102

A container packer system 102 comprising yet another embodiment oraspect of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11-26. Referring toFIGS. 11-13, the container packer system 102 includes a transfer base104, reciprocally and slidably mounting a container packer 106. Atransfer container 108 receives bulk material 110 from the containerpacker 106.

The transfer base 104 is similar to the transfer base 4 described above.The transfer base 104 can be generally constructed as a flatbed trailerwith a bed 112 mounting a wheel truck 114, a pair of adjustable-heightmain jacks 116, and a pair of sidewalls 118 mounted on either side ofthe bed 112.

The transfer base 104 includes three pairs of leveling jacks 122 a,b,cin the front, center and back of the transfer base 104. The levelingjacks 122 a,b,c are mounted on jack beams 224, which support thetransfer base support beams 228 on scales 226. The scales 226 are usedto monitor the amount of bulk material 110 transferred into thetransport container 108. The scale 226 readout can be accessed remotelyby an operator loading the container packer 106 to monitor the weightand add or decrease weight as needed. A typical load is for a specifiedamount of material, which must satisfy strict road weight limits andlikely determines the value of the load. The scales may be any analog ordigital scale capable of reading the load-weight of a transport vehicle.

The transfer base 104 includes a power subsystem 120, which includes aninternal combustion engine 119, a hydraulic pump 117, a hydraulicreservoir 115, a hydraulic control valve 121, and other hydrauliccomponents, equipment, lines, and fittings as needed. Alternatively,other power sources can be utilized, such as pneumatic, electric,combination hydraulic-pneumatic-electric, etc. External power sources,e.g., electrical service, can be connected to the transfer base 104 forpowering its operation.

A front cylinder mount 126, similar to that described above in FIG. 1,is located on the transfer base 104 in proximity to the power subsystem120 and mounts a proximate end 128 of a multi-stage insertion/extractionpiston-and-cylinder unit 130, which also includes a distal end 132connected to the container packer 106. The piston-and-cylinder unit 130is supported by a third-stage carrier 334 to prevent sagging when thepiston-and-cylinder unit 130 is extended. The third-stage carrier 334 iscomprised of a cross beam 336, vertical members 338 a,b, rollers 344a,b, a connection box 342, and a catch piece 340 (FIG. 24).

A transport latch 262 is located in an opening 264 of the bed 112 of thetransfer base 104 to prevent the container packer 106 from sliding offthe back end 124 of the transfer base 104 during transportation of thecontainer packer system 102 (FIGS. 20 and 21). The latch 262 is engagedby a handle 252 located at the front end 123 of the transfer base 104.The handle 252 has a stop guard 254 which stops the handle 252 once thelatch 262 is engaged and a chain 256 to lock the handle 252 in place.The handle 252 is connected to the latch 262 by a pole 260.

The container packer 106 includes: front and back ends 134, 136;opposite sidewalls 138, 140; and a floor 42 mounting rollers 43 on whichthe container packer 106 rolls fore-and-aft. A rolling overhead door 144(FIG. 11) is mounted generally on a pair of tracks 145 outside of thecontainer packer 106, and selectively closes a back opening 135, whichis formed in the back end 136 for selectively enclosing a containerpacker interior 146, which receives the bulk material 110. The door 144is operated by a door piston-and-cylinder unit 148, which is attached tohydraulic fluid supply and return lines 192 a,b,c. The supply and returnlines 192 a,b,c are attached to a hydraulic pump 117 and supported byhydraulic hose reels 190 a,b,c (FIG. 16).

The door 144 is attached to the door piston-and-cylinder unit 148 by aclevis 214. The door 144 is comprised of panels 218 connected at rollerhinges 220. The roller hinges 220 are connected to rollers 216, whichare mounted in the door track 145 (FIG. 17). Optimally, the door tracks145 are mounted such that the door 144 is raised and lowered externallyfrom the interior of the container packer 106. This prevents materialfrom jamming the door 144. Alternatively, other types of doors andoperating mechanisms can be utilized. Side guards 151 are connected tothe sidewalls 138, 140 of the container packer at the back end 136(FIGS. 12 and 12A). The side guards 151 are flush against the transportcontainer 108 to prevent bulk material 110 from getting caught betweenthe transport container 108 and the container packer 106. Structuralcontainer packer support beams 222 may be incorporated to strengthen thecontainer packer structure, or the side-walls of the container packermay be substantially reinforced to eliminate the need of support beamsalong the top of the packer assembly.

The container packer 106 includes a push blade assembly 150, which isconstructed from a structural framework 152 mounting a push blade 154,which fits relatively closely within the container packer interior 146and extends transversely for movement fore-and-aft guided by tracks 149formed in the container packer sidewalls 138, 140 whereby substantiallyall of the contents of the container packer 106 can be dischargedthrough the back door opening 135. The push blade track 149 mayoptionally be lined with UHMW plastic material 155, which prevents shockload and increases the capacity of bulk material 110 that can be loaded.The push blade assembly 150 includes a framework 152 mounting a pushblade 154 generally configured as a panel with width and heightdimensions generally corresponding to a cross-section of the containerpacker interior 146. A push blade piston-and-cylinder 156 extendsthrough the framework 152 and the blade 154, to which thepiston-and-cylinder 56 is attached in a trunion-type mounting 157. Theopposing end of the piston-and-cylinder is affixed to the rear face ofthe blade push blade assembly 150, and is protected by a steel cover 159on the front face of the assembly.

A pair of structural rails 153 is affixed to the inside of the containerpacker 106. The rails 153 receive a number of rollers 161 affixed to theupper edge of the push blade assembly 150. The rollers 161 guide alongthe rails 153 when the push blade assembly is in motion, and theyprevent the blade 154 from lifting away from the base of the containerpacker 106 when the blade 154 contacts material. The rollers 161 alsoprevent the blade 154 from lifting or otherwise becoming displaced if apiece of material becomes lodged beneath the blade assembly 150 bottomedge.

The piston-and-cylinder unit 156 is attached to hydraulic fluid supplyand return lines 196 abc. The supply and return lines 196 abc areattached to a hydraulic pump 117 and supported by hydraulic hose reels194 abc (FIG. 16). The piston-and-cylinder unit 156 includes anextension 160, which extends distally of the blade 154 with thepiston-and-cylinder unit 156 in a retracted position. With thisconfiguration a relatively long effective stroke of thepiston-and-cylinder unit 156 is available for pushing the push bladeassembly 150 through a substantial portion of the container packer 106.An anchor structure 162 is mounted on the container packer floor 142adjacent to the container packer back end 136 and is connected to thepiston-and-cylinder 156 end. The piston-and-cylinder unit 156 issupported by a third-stage carrier 346 to prevent sagging when thepiston-and-cylinder unit 156 is extended. The third-stage carrier 346 iscomprised of: a cross beam 348, carrier arms 358 a,b; vertical members350 a,b; rollers 356; a connection box 354; and a catch piece 352.

FIG. 19 shows a hydraulic circuit 244 of the container packer system102. The fluid for the hydraulic system is stored in the hydraulicreservoir 250. Fluid is sent to the container packer cylinder 230through a valve stack 247 including a proportional valve. Fluid is sentto the blade cylinder 232 through a valve stack 249 including anon-proportional valve. The container packer cylinder 230 and the bladecylinder 232 are connected to dump valves 248. Overhead door (tailgate)cylinders 234 and leveling jack cylinders 236 a-f are shown in FIG. 19.

When the control switch 178 for the container packer sleeve 106 isoperated, hydraulic fluid leaves the hydraulic reservoir 250 and travelsto the container packer cylinder 230 through its proportional valve 247.The proportional valve allows the container packer 106 to be moved atvarying speeds. The further the container packer control switch 178 ispressed in either direction, the faster the container packer sleeve 106will move. When retracting the container packer, hydraulic fluid returnsto the reservoir 250. A dump valve 248 is included in the circuit toaccommodate large amounts of hydraulic fluid returning to the reservoir250 at one time.

When the blade control switch 180 is operated, hydraulic fluid leavesthe hydraulic reservoir 250 and travels to the container packer cylinder232 through its non-proportional valve 249. Because this valve isnon-proportional, the blade 154 moves at a constant rate of speed duringoperation. The blade 154 is configured to either actively move at aconstant rate, or to stop completely. A dump valve 248 is also includedin the circuit to accommodate large amounts of hydraulic fluid returningto the reservoir at one time.

In the practice of an aspect of the method of the present invention, theoperation of the system 102 is sequenced to transfer bulk material 110from the container packer 106 to the transport container 108. Thecontainer 108 is positioned in alignment with the transfer base 104. Forexample, the container 108 may be placed on a trailer or truck bed fortransport. The hydraulic leveling jacks 122 are adapted for independentadjustment to align the transfer base 104 with the container 108. Theleveling jacks 122 can be adjusted using switches 170 a-f on the controlbox 121 at the front end 123 of the transfer base 104 or using theswitches 182 a-f on the remote control box 176. An automated positioningsystem can be utilized to automatically adjust the transfer base 104 foroptimal alignment.

With the transfer base 104 and the container 108 properly aligned, thecontainer packer 106 starts from a retracted position and is pushedrearwardly by the container packer piston-and-cylinder unit 130 to anextended position. The container packer door 144 is raised hydraulicallyvia the piston-and-cylinder units 148, thus opening the back opening 135for discharge of the bulk material 110. Applying hydraulic power to thepiston-and-cylinder unit 156 extends it and pushes the push bladeassembly 150 rearwardly through the container packer interior 146. Theblade 154 pushes the bulk material 110 through the back opening 135, outof the container packer 106 and into the transport container 108.Depending upon the nature of the bulk material 110, it may be compactedby the push blade assembly 150 in the transport container 108.

Simultaneously with discharging the contents 110 of the container packer106, the hydraulic system can open the hydraulic lines to the containerpacker piston-and-cylinder unit 130 and operate in a float mode (FIG.13A), allowing the container packer 106 to retract as the contents arepushed out of the container packer interior 146. The float mode allowsthe container packer 106 to be ejected from the transport container 108via the push blade assembly piston-and-cylinder unit 156 using hydraulicpressure created when the bulk material 110 has been fully compressed bythe blade 154. In some systems there may not be enough power tohydraulically withdraw the container packer 106 while simultaneouslyextending the blade 154. The float mode eliminates this problem, whilealso preventing built up hydraulic pressure from damaging the bladecylinder 156 or the interior of the transport container 108.

The container packer piston-and-cylinder unit 130 can also be powered tohydraulically extract the container packer 106 by collapsing to itsretracted position. Upon full extraction of the container packer 106,the transport container 108 can be closed and removed for transport. Allof these operations can be performed using switches 164, 166, 168 on thecontrol box 121 (FIG. 14) at the front end 123 of the transfer base 104or using the switches 187, 188, 178, 180 on the remote control box 176(FIG. 15). The control box 176 includes a hydraulic pressure gauge 172for measuring the hydraulic pressure of the leveling jacks 122, and ahydraulic pressure gauge 174 for measuring the hydraulic pressure of thepush blade assembly piston-and-cylinder unit 156 and the containerpacker piston and cylinder unit 130. The remote control box 176 also hasa power switch 184, on/off status light 185, and an emergency stopswitch 186. The remote control box 176 can communicate controlinstructions to the container packing system 102 wirelessly, e.g., byradio communication, or through a wire directly connected to thecontainer packer system 102.

FIG. 20 shows a transport latch handle 252 including a stop guard 254and a locking chain 256. The transport latch handle is rigidly connectedto a floor support beam 258 of the transfer base 104 floor. FIG. 21shows a transport latch 262 including a latch opening 264. The transportlatch 262 restrains the container packer 106 when it is not inoperation. This ensures that the container packer will not slide off ofthe transfer base 104 unintentionally, such as during transport. Thetransport latch handle 252 is locked into an engaged position with thelocking chain 256 until the container packer 106 is used. At such atime, the transport latch handle 252 is unlocked and activated, therebydepressing the transport latch 262 into the latch opening 264, allowingthe container packer 106 to freely extend into an empty transfercontainer 108.

FIG. 22 shows a typical ratchet binder 266 capable of connecting thecontainer packer 106 to the transport base 104, as shown more clearly inFIG. 11, to ensure that the container packer does not move untildesired. The ratchet binder 266 includes a proximal end 290 and a distalend 292. The ratchet binder distal end 292 connects to the containerpacker 106 via a fastener 268 with a fastener proximal end 270 and adistal end 272. The container packer 106 includes a fastener receiver274 within a sidewall crossbeam 282 for receiving the ratchet binderfastener 268 when the container and the transfer base are in closeproximity. The fastener 268 is connected to a threaded rod 280 via aclevis 276 and a clevis bolt 278. The ratchet binder proximal end 290 ishingedly connected to a ratchet binder receiver 294 affixed to avertical arm of the transfer base 296. A clevis bolt 278 provides thepivoted connection.

A ratchet 284 and a ratchet handle 286 are connected to a ratchet barrel288. The barrel 288 receives the threaded rods 280 on either side of theratchet binder 266. By manually activating the ratchet handle 286, thethreaded rods 280 are extended or retracted. Retracting the threadedrods 280 tightens the connection between the transport base 104 and thecontainer packer 106, ensuring that the container packer 106 does notmove unless it is in operation, at which time the ratchet binder 266 isdisconnected.

FIG. 23 shows a method of linking the transport container 108 to thetransfer base 104, ensuring the two elements remain in close proximityduring the loading process as shown more clearly in FIG. 13. Aconnecting hinge 306 is included which connects a ratchet binder 298 tothe ratchet binder receiver 294 affixed to the transfer base 104 using aclevis bolt 278. A separate fastener 304 including a clevis bolt 278 isaffixed to a retainer cord 300. The end of the retainer cord 300includes a connecting tab 308 which is affixed to a fastener 302 with anadditional clevis bolt 310. The transport container 108 includes afastener receiver 304 for receiving the fastener 302 when the container108 and the transfer base 104 are in close proximity. The fastener 302can be rotated vertically and removed when the operation is over.

FIG. 24 shows a third-stage carrier 334 for the hydraulic piston andcylinder 130 of the container packer 106. The carrier 334 ensures thatthe piston and cylinder does not sag during operation, and isparticularly applicable to a longer loading system 102. The carrier 334includes a cross frame member 336, a pair of vertical frame members 338a,b and a pair of carrier rollers 344 a,b. A carrier connection box 342is affixed to the center of the frame members 336 and 338 a,b, andincludes a catch piece 340 for receiving a portion of the piston andcylinder unit 130. The catch piece 340 may be temporarily or permanentlyaffixed to the piston and cylinder unit 130, but must remain in placethroughout the loading operation. The carrier rollers 344 a,b allow thecarrier 334 to travel with the container packer 106 during a loadingoperation.

FIG. 25 demonstrates an embodiment of a third-stage carrier 346 for thehydraulic piston-and-cylinder unit 156 of the push blade assembly 150.The carrier 346 functions like the third-stage carrier 334 connected tothe container packer piston and cylinder unit 130. The carrier 346includes a cross frame member 348, and a pair of vertical frame members350 a,b connected to a front plate 360 via a pair of carrier arms 358a,b. A pair of carrier rollers 356 are affixed to the base of thevertical frame members 350 a,b. A carrier connection box 354 is affixedto the center of the carrier 346 and includes a connection piece 352 forreceiving a portion of the piston and cylinder unit 156. The catch piece352 may be temporarily or permanently affixed to the piston and cylinderunit 156, but should remain in place throughout the loading operation.The carrier rollers 356 allow the carrier 346 to travel with thecontainer packer 150 during a loading operation.

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the container packer 106 extendedinto the transport container 108. The rollers 143 in the floor 142 ofthe container packer 106 are engaged with both the transfer base 104 andthe transport container 108 as the container packer 106 extends into thetransport container 108. The cross section shows the structural crossbeams 362 of the container packer 106 between the rollers 143. Thecontainer packer rollers 143 roll along the surface of the transportbase 104 and directly contact the inside floor of the transportcontainer 108. There is no need for tracks or any additional guidingelements within the transport container—the rollers allow the containerpacker 106 to be inserted into any standard transport container.

It will be appreciated that various steps of the procedure describedabove, and additional steps, can be automated with a programmablemicroprocessor. For example, leveling the transfer base 104, insertingthe container packer 106 and operating the push blade assembly 150 canall be automated. Moreover, hydraulic controls utilizing amulti-position valve(s) can be provided for an operator to control thefunctions of the system 102. Such a valve(s) can also be automated.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects ofthe invention have been shown and described, the invention is notlimited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A system, comprising: a transferbase including proximate and distal ends and a container packer guide; acontainer packer including a proximate end, a distal end with anopening, opposite sidewalls, a floor and an interior configured forreceiving bulk material; said container packer being movablelongitudinally along said container packer guide between a retractedposition of said container packer and an extended position of saidcontainer packer; a container packer drive configured for moving saidcontainer packer between said extended and retracted positions of saidcontainer packer; said container packer drive comprising a containerpacker piston-and-cylinder unit attached to said transfer base and saidcontainer packer at fixed locations; a material transfer assemblymounted in said container packer interior and configured for dischargingbulk material through said container packer distal end opening; amaterial transfer assembly drive connected to said material transferassembly and configured for operating said material transfer assembly;said material transfer assembly comprising a push blade assembly locatedin said container packer and movable longitudinally between a retractedposition of said push blade assembly and an extended position of saidpush blade assembly; said push blade assembly including a push bladeextending transversely across said container packer interior; and saidpush blade assembly being configured for extending and retractingbetween said extended position of said push blade assembly and saidretracted position of said push blade assembly, whereby said push bladeassembly is configured for removing said bulk material from saidcontainer packer.
 2. The system according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a hydraulic power source mounted on said transfer base andconnected to said container packer piston and cylinder unit.
 3. Thesystem according to claim 2, further comprising: said material transferassembly drive including a push blade assembly piston-and-cylinder unit;and said hydraulic power source being connected to said push bladeassembly piston-and-cylinder unit.
 4. The system according to claim 1,further comprising: said container packer including a pair of structuralrails to facilitate movement of said push blade assembly; and said pushblade assembly engaging said pair of structural rails and configured forguiding said push blade assembly through longitudinal movement betweenits extended and retracted positions.
 5. The system according to claim4, further comprising: said structural rails each being on a respectivecontainer packer sidewall; and said push blade assembly furthercomprising at least a pair of rollers each roller of said pair ofrollers engaging a respective structural rail.
 6. A system for disposingbulk material, which system comprises: a transfer base includingproximate and distal ends and a container packer guide; a containerpacker including a proximate end, a distal end with an opening, oppositesidewalls, a floor and an interior adapted for receiving bulk material;said container packer being movable longitudinally along said containerpacker guide between a retracted position of said container packer andan extended position of said container packer; a container packer driveconnected to said transfer base and to said container packer andconfigured for moving said container packer between its extended andretracted positions; a material transfer assembly mounted in saidcontainer packer interior and configured for discharging bulk materialthrough said container packer distal end opening; a material transferassembly drive connected to said material transfer assembly andconfigured for operating said material transfer assembly; said materialtransfer assembly comprising a push blade assembly located in andconnected to said container packer and movable longitudinally between aretracted position of said push blade assembly and an extended positionof said push blade assembly; said push blade assembly including a pushblade extending transversely across said container packer interior; saidpush blade assembly being configured for extending and retractingbetween said extended position of said push blade assembly and saidretracted position of said push blade assembly, whereby said push bladeassembly is configured for compacting bulk material in said transportcontainer; said container packer including a pair of structural rails tofacilitate movement of said push blade assembly; and said push bladeassembly engaging said pair of structural rails and configured forguiding said push blade assembly through longitudinal movement betweenits extended and retracted positions.
 7. The system according to claim6, wherein: said structural rails each are attached to a respectivecontainer packer sidewall; and said push blade assembly furthercomprises at least a pair of rollers each roller of said pair of rollersengaging a respective structural rail.
 8. The system according to claim6, wherein the container packer drive comprises a container packerpiston-and-cylinder unit attached to said transfer base and saidcontainer packer at respective fixed locations.
 9. A system for packingbulk material in a transport container through an end opening of thetransport container, which system comprises: a transfer base includingproximate and distal ends and a container packer guide; a containerpacker including a proximate end, a distal end with an opening, oppositesidewalls, a floor and an interior configured for receiving bulkmaterial; said container packer being movable longitudinally along saidcontainer packer guide between a retracted position on said transferbase and an extended position extending at least partly from saidtransfer base distal end; a container packer drive configured for movingsaid container packer between extended and retracted positions; saidcontainer packer drive comprising a container packer piston-and-cylinderunit attached to said transfer base and said container packer at fixedlocations; a material transfer assembly mounted in said container packerinterior and configured for discharging bulk material through saidcontainer packer distal end opening; a material transfer assembly driveconnected to said material transfer assembly and configured foroperating said material transfer assembly; said material transferassembly comprising a push blade assembly located in and connected tosaid container packer and movable longitudinally between a retractedposition closer to said container packer proximate end than saidcontainer packer distal end and an extended position closer to saidcontainer packer distal end than said container packer proximate end;said push blade assembly including a push blade extending transverselyacross said container packer interior; and said push blade assemblybeing configured for extending and retracting between an extendedposition distally beyond said transfer base distal end and a retractedposition within said container packer interior, whereby said push bladeassembly is configured for compacting bulk material in said transportcontainer.
 10. The system according to claim 9, further comprising: ahydraulic power source mounted on said transfer base and connected tosaid container packer piston and cylinder unit.
 11. The system accordingto claim 9, further comprising: said material transfer assembly driveincluding a push blade assembly piston-and-cylinder unit; and ahydraulic power source being connected to said push blade assemblypiston-and-cylinder unit.
 12. The system according to claim 9, furthercomprising: said container packer including a pair of structural railsto facilitate movement of said push blade assembly; and said push bladeassembly engaging said pair of structural rails and configured forguiding said push blade assembly through longitudinal movement betweenits extended and retracted positions.
 13. The system according to claim12, further comprising: said structural rails each being attached to arespective container packer sidewall; and said push blade assemblyfurther comprising at least a pair of rollers each engaging a respectivestructural rail.
 14. A system for packing bulk material in a transportcontainer through an end opening of the transport container, whichsystem comprises: a transfer base including proximate and distal endsand a container packer guide; a container packer including a proximateend, a distal end with an opening, opposite sidewalls, a floor and aninterior adapted for receiving bulk material; said container packerbeing movable longitudinally along said container packer guide between aretracted position on said transfer base and an extended positionextending at least partly from said transfer base distal end; acontainer packer drive connected to said transfer base and to saidcontainer packer and configured for moving said container packer betweenits extended and retracted positions; a material transfer assemblymounted in said container packer interior and configured for dischargingbulk material through said container packer distal end opening; amaterial transfer assembly drive connected to said material transferassembly and configured for operating said material transfer assembly;said material transfer assembly comprising a push blade assembly locatedin and connected to said container packer and movable longitudinallybetween a retracted position closer to said container packer proximateend than said container packer distal end and an extended positioncloser to said container packer distal end than said container packerproximate end; said push blade assembly including a push blade extendingtransversely across said container packer interior; said transfer basebeing configured for placement with said transfer base distal endpositioned adjacent to said transport container end opening; saidtransport container being configured for receiving at least a portion ofsaid container packer with said container packer in its extendedposition; said push blade assembly being configured for extending andretracting between said extended position of said push blade assemblydistally beyond said transfer base distal end and said retractedposition of said push blade assembly within said container packerinterior, whereby said push blade assembly is configured for compactingbulk material in said transport container; said container packerincluding a pair of structural rails to facilitate movement of said pushblade assembly; and said push blade assembly engaging said pair ofstructural rails and configured for guiding said push blade assemblythrough longitudinal movement between its extended and retractedpositions.
 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein: saidstructural rails each are attached to a respective container packersidewall; and said push blade assembly further comprises at least a pairof rollers each engaging a respective structural rail.
 16. The systemaccording to claim 14, wherein the container packer drive comprises acontainer packer piston-and-cylinder unit attached to said transfer baseand said container packer at respective fixed locations.